Method allowing biological and biochemical studies of vacuum-exposed bacteria

A method is described which allows quantitative biological and biochemical studies of the vacuum effect on bacteria. Quantitative studies can only be performed if vacuum-exposed bacteria can be removed completely from their support. This is achieved by exposing bacteria to vacuum on a polyvinylalcohol film. After vacuum exposure this film is dissolved in buffer, leading to a quantitative release of bacteria into the buffer. This suspension of vacuum-exposed bacteria can then be used for quantitative biological and biochemical studies of the vaccum effect on bacteria.